10 Amalfi Coast Towns You Must Visit Once in Your Life

Picture yourself winding along sun-drenched cliffs, the scent of lemon groves filling the air as pastel-colored buildings cascade down to meet the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. This is Italy’s Amalfi Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Each town along this 34-mile stretch of coastline offers its own unique charm, whether it’s serene beaches, cliffside dining, or historic piazzas frozen in time.

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From the iconic, Instagram-famous Positano to hidden gems like Atrani, these ten unforgettable Amalfi Coast towns each offer something magical that will capture your heart. Whether you’re planning your first Italian adventure or returning to explore more deeply, this curated guide will help you discover the perfect coastal havens to include in your itinerary. Get ready to explore winding medieval streets, savor fresh seafood with ocean views, and experience the authentic dolce vita that makes the Amalfi Coast an essential destination for every traveler.

1. Positano

The jewel of the Amalfi Coast, Positano is a vertical town where colorful buildings seem to tumble down the cliffside to meet the sea. This former fishing village has transformed into Italy’s most photogenic coastal destination, with its dramatic setting and luxurious atmosphere captivating visitors from around the world. As you navigate the narrow, winding streets lined with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and ceramic shops, you’ll understand why fashion icons and celebrities have been drawn here for decades.

The heart of Positano is its beautiful beach, Marina Grande, where you can rent a lounger and umbrella to soak up the Mediterranean sun. For a more exclusive experience, take a short boat ride to the secluded Laurito Beach and enjoy lunch at Da Adolfo, a legendary seaside restaurant only accessible by water. Don’t miss the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its majolica-tiled dome that has become an iconic symbol of the town.

2. Amalfi

As the namesake of the entire coastline, Amalfi delivers on every promise of Mediterranean splendor. Once a powerful maritime republic that rivaled Venice and Genoa, this historic town blends medieval architecture with seaside charm. The impressive Duomo di Amalfi dominates the main square, its striped Byzantine façade and grand staircase inviting you to explore its treasures, including the cloister of Paradise and the crypt of St. Andrew.

Wander through the narrow streets filled with the scent of lemons – Amalfi is famous for its citrus fruits and the limoncello liqueur produced from them. Visit the Paper Museum (Museo della Carta) to learn about Amalfi’s ancient papermaking tradition, then cool off with a swim at the town beach or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants. For an unforgettable experience, join a cooking class to master traditional dishes using local ingredients.

Amalfi serves as an excellent transportation hub for exploring other towns along the coast, with regular ferry and bus connections making it an ideal base for your Amalfi Coast adventure.

3. Ravello

Perched high in the mountains above Amalfi, Ravello offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling coastal towns below. This sophisticated hilltop haven has inspired artists, musicians, and writers for centuries with its serene atmosphere and breathtaking vistas. The town’s two magnificent villas – Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone – are the main attractions, both offering spectacular gardens and panoramic views that seem to stretch to infinity.

Villa Rufolo, with its Moorish-influenced architecture and lush gardens, hosts the renowned Ravello Festival each summer, where classical concerts take place against the backdrop of the sea and sky. Villa Cimbrone’s famous Terrace of Infinity, lined with classical busts overlooking the coastline, offers what Gore Vidal called “the most beautiful view in the world.” The town’s elegant Duomo (Cathedral) and the charming main square, Piazza Vescovado, complete the picture of refined beauty.

Unlike the beach towns below, Ravello’s appeal lies in its cultural richness and tranquil atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to savor a long lunch on a terrace overlooking the coast or enjoy a romantic dinner as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

4. Praiano

If you’re seeking the beauty of Positano without the crowds, Praiano offers a perfect alternative. This authentic fishing village sits between Positano and Amalfi, providing spectacular sunset views that you won’t find in other Amalfi Coast towns. The sun sets directly over the sea here, painting the sky in dramatic hues of orange and pink each evening – a photographer’s dream and a romantic’s paradise.

Praiano is home to the only beach on the Amalfi Coast that gets sunshine until sunset. Marina di Praia, a small pebble beach nestled between towering cliffs, offers a more relaxed atmosphere than its famous neighbors. For adventurous travelers, Praiano serves as an excellent starting point for the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), one of Italy’s most beautiful hiking trails that offers breathtaking views of the coastline.

The Church of San Gennaro, with its beautiful majolica-tiled floor and dome, is worth a visit, as is the smaller Church of San Luca with its artistic treasures. In the evenings, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the excellent local restaurants or join the locals for an aperitivo as the sun dips below the horizon.

5. Atrani

Just a short walk from Amalfi lies Atrani, the smallest town in Italy and perhaps the most authentic on the Amalfi Coast. This tiny fishing village, nestled in a narrow valley between dramatic cliffs, has maintained its medieval character and local atmosphere despite being so close to tourist hotspots. Walking into Atrani feels like stepping back in time – its compact network of narrow alleys, vaulted passageways, and steep staircases has changed little over the centuries.

The heart of Atrani is Piazza Umberto I, a charming square surrounded by cafes and restaurants where locals gather in the evenings. The Church of San Salvatore de’ Birecto, where the doges of Amalfi were once crowned, stands at the top of a grand staircase leading from the square. Atrani’s small beach offers a more relaxed alternative to Amalfi’s often crowded shoreline, with the dramatic backdrop of colorful houses stacked against the cliff.

What makes Atrani special is its authentic character – this is a place where real Italian daily life continues alongside tourism. Laundry still hangs between buildings, locals chat on doorsteps, and the rhythm of life moves at a gentler pace than in neighboring towns.

6. Maiori

Maiori stands out among Amalfi Coast towns for its long, sandy beach – the largest in the region at nearly one kilometer in length. This makes it an ideal destination for families or those who prioritize beach time during their coastal holiday. The wide promenade lined with restaurants and shops creates a more open, accessible atmosphere than the vertical towns elsewhere on the coast.

Beyond the beach, Maiori has a rich history waiting to be explored. The medieval Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano sits on a hill overlooking the town, offering panoramic views for those willing to make the climb. The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare houses important artworks, while the Norman Tower (Torre Normanna) stands as a reminder of the town’s defensive past.

Maiori serves as an excellent base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, with good transportation connections and generally more affordable accommodation than Positano or Amalfi. The town is also connected to neighboring Minori by the Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of Lemons), a scenic walking route through terraced lemon groves that offers beautiful coastal views.

7. Minori

Just a kilometer from Maiori lies Minori, a delightful small town with a rich culinary heritage. Known as “the town of taste,” Minori has been a center for pasta production since the 16th century and continues to delight food lovers with its gastronomic traditions. The town is famous for its handmade pasta, particularly the local specialty ndunderi (a type of gnocchi), and for the delicious pastries created by master pastry chef Sal De Riso, whose café in the center of town is a must-visit.

Minori’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. The town’s main historical attraction is the Villa Romana, the remains of a 1st-century Roman villa with well-preserved mosaics and a small antiquarium displaying artifacts found at the site. The Basilica of Santa Trofimena houses the remains of the town’s patron saint and features beautiful marble decorations.

The town’s small beach and promenade offer a relaxed atmosphere for sunbathing and swimming, while the surrounding hills are covered with terraced lemon groves that produce some of the coast’s finest citrus fruits. For an authentic experience, follow the Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of Lemons) that connects Minori to Maiori through these fragrant groves.

8. Furore

Often called “the town that doesn’t exist,” Furore is unlike any other destination on the Amalfi Coast. Rather than being centered around a main square or beach, this village is scattered across the mountainside, with houses painted in bright colors to help fishermen identify their homes from the sea. What puts Furore on the map is its spectacular fjord (Fiordo di Furore), a narrow inlet flanked by towering limestone cliffs with a small beach at its base.

The fjord is crossed by a tall arched bridge that has become one of the most photographed spots on the Amalfi Coast. Each summer, the bridge hosts the MarMeeting High Diving Championship, where divers from around the world compete by plunging 28 meters into the crystal-clear waters below. When not hosting daredevil divers, the small pebble beach at the bottom of the fjord offers a unique swimming spot surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Beyond the fjord, Furore is worth exploring for its “painted village” – buildings throughout the area are decorated with colorful murals depicting local life and legends. The town is also home to several small wineries producing excellent wines from grapes grown on terraced vineyards clinging to the steep slopes.

9. Vietri sul Mare

Known as the “gateway to the Amalfi Coast,” Vietri sul Mare is the first town you’ll encounter when approaching from Salerno. What sets this colorful town apart is its centuries-old tradition of ceramic production – Vietri has been famous for its handcrafted ceramics since the 15th century, and today the town is filled with workshops and stores selling vibrantly decorated plates, tiles, and decorative items.

The influence of ceramics is visible throughout the town, from the magnificent majolica-tiled dome of the Church of San Giovanni Battista to the colorful decorations adorning buildings and public spaces. A visit to the Ceramics Museum (Museo Provinciale della Ceramica) offers insight into the history and techniques of this traditional craft. For those interested in bringing home an authentic souvenir, the shops along Corso Umberto I offer everything from small trinkets to elaborate dinnerware sets.

Beyond ceramics, Vietri boasts several beautiful beaches, including the main Marina di Vietri beach and the more secluded Crestarella beach. The town’s position at the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast makes it more accessible than other towns in the region, with a train station connecting it to Salerno and Naples.

10. Cetara

For travelers seeking an authentic slice of coastal life away from the tourist crowds, Cetara offers a refreshing glimpse into a working fishing village. This small town has maintained its traditional character, with fishing still the primary occupation for many residents. Cetara is particularly famous for its anchovy fishing fleet and for producing colatura di alici, a prized amber-colored anchovy sauce that dates back to Roman times.

The town’s compact center features the Church of San Pietro with its distinctive majolica-tiled dome, while a medieval Saracen tower stands guard over the small harbor filled with colorful wooden fishing boats. Cetara’s beach is less crowded than those in neighboring towns, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for swimming and sunbathing.

The true highlight of a visit to Cetara is the food. The town’s restaurants serve some of the freshest seafood on the coast, with specialties including spaghetti with colatura di alici and tuna caught by the local fleet. For a truly memorable dining experience, visit during the early morning hours when fishing boats return to harbor with their catch, or in the evening when restaurants fill with locals enjoying the day’s harvest.

Amalfi Coast Map: Planning Your Visit

The Amalfi Coast stretches for approximately 34 miles along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. The main coastal road, Strada Statale 163 (often called “Amalfi Drive”), connects all the towns mentioned in this guide, winding dramatically between sea and mountains. While this road offers spectacular views, it’s also notoriously narrow and crowded, especially during summer months.

Creating Your Perfect Amalfi Coast Itinerary

The Amalfi Coast offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Italian culture. Each town has its own distinct character – from glamorous Positano to authentic Cetara – allowing you to create an itinerary that matches your travel style. Whether you’re seeking luxury experiences, cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or culinary discoveries, these ten towns provide endless possibilities for an unforgettable Italian journey.

Consider basing yourself in one or two towns and taking day trips to others, as moving accommodations frequently can be time-consuming on the winding coastal roads. Positano and Amalfi make excellent bases due to their central locations and transportation connections, while Ravello offers a peaceful retreat from the coastal crowds. For budget-conscious travelers, Maiori, Minori, or Vietri sul Mare provide more affordable options without sacrificing the Amalfi Coast experience.